Helen Mirren, Cyprus Avenue and X, Barrie Rutter, Jem Lester

Helen Mirren talks about her role as a military intelligence officer in a new thriller about drone warfare, Eye in the Sky. Two new plays opened at the Royal Court Theatre in London this week: Alistair McDowall's X, set on Pluto and David Ireland's Cyprus Avenue, set in Belfast. In both locations life's certainties unravel. Ian Shuttleworth, who grew up close to Cyprus Avenue, reviews. Barrie Rutter, founder of Northern Broadsides theatre company, chooses the character of Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor, as part of our Shakespeare's People series. Jem Lester's debut novel Shtum focuses on 10-year-old Jonah who is severely autistic and told from the perspective of his struggling, alcoholic father. Jem, who has an autistic son, explains why he put his own experience in a work of fiction. Presenter: Kirsty Lang Producer: Rachel Simpson.

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Welcome to the Brain Training Podcast, the daily audio workout for your head.
In this podcast we have two games for you, each with three rounds which get progressively harder.
To enjoy the full experience, relax, and avoid distractions whilst you listen.